PMUHub’s guide through one of the methods for removing old, unwanted or botched permanent makeup. Read all about PMU and microblading glycolic acid tattoo removal.
Image source: Instagram @phiremoval_farnosh.alizadeh
The demand for permanent makeup removal is currently increasing, mostly for 2 reasons.
The first one is because some people want to get rid of an old tattoo, which was done more than 5 years ago and still hasn’t faded. Old brow tattoos used to be done in ink rather than pigments, and they often change color into an unattractive blueish shadow, they don’t fade completely.
Nowadays, microblading and other permanent makeup treatments are done with organic pigments that fade after some time.
The second reason is that microblading and other forms of eyebrow tattoos are currently so popular, that there are too many new, inexperienced artists working without certification. Clients end up getting a disappointing tattoo and need removal.
Besides laser and saline removal, which are very effective, glycolic acid removal is also a technique that can help you get rid of an unwanted cosmetic tattoo.
Glycolic acid is used more and more often for removing cosmetic tattoos, and glycolic acid microblading removal is the most commonly requested treatment.
It is also very effective at removing permanent eyeliner tattoos, lip liner tattoos as well as small body tattoos. However, it works only on the epidermis, so it is not really effective with removing big decorative body tattoos done in ink. It can fade them, but not significantly.
Want to find out more about permanent makeup removal? Follow the links:
Permanent Makeup Removal – The Ultimate Guide
PMU Removal Cost
PMU Removal Before and After Gallery
Image source: Instagram @saharkalantari_phi
Getting your cosmetic tattoo removed with glycolic acid looks a lot like reverse tattooing. First of all, it is important that your cosmetic tattoo is healed, so getting glycolic acid microblading removal in the first 6 weeks after the treatment is not allowed.
So, to remove the tattoo, the removal tech will break the skin open and insert the glycolic acid solution into the skin. The solution almost immediately starts working and draws the pigment out by forming scabs that pull out the pigment.
It is important not to pick the scabs and let them fall off on their own, to avoid scaring.
Glycolic acid microblading removal may take more than one session.
This depends on many factors, but the most important is how saturated your tattoo is. Most clients need 2 to 6 sessions to completely remove their old PMU.
If the tattoo is done with pigments and it is not too saturated, and the artist didn’t go too deep, you can get good results even after the first session.
Book a consultation appointment with the removal tech so that they can assess the situation.
After each session, your eyebrows, eyelids or lips will take some time to heal completely. This is required to avoid permanent scarring. Therefore, you will need to wait 6 to 8 weeks before you take another session of glycolic acid microblading and PMU removal.
Image source: Instagram @dermostudio_valerie
The inserted glycolic acid solution pulls the pigment out of the skin by forming the scabs. So, the spot where you had your old tattoo or PMU will be scabby, and each new scab will pull the pigment out. So, basically, your tattoo is fading while healing.
The healing process requires special care. Here are the most important tips to follow during the glycolic acid microblading and PMU aftercare.
Glycolic acid can be used to remove a brow tattoo, permanent eyeliner, as well as permanent lip liner. Scalp micopigmentation is not removed with glycolic acid, the area is too big and the only effective way is to go for a laser removal treatment.
Image source: Instagram @sasenka_phiremoval
If you find a professional artist certified to perform glycolic acid microblading removal, it is a safe treatment. The risk of scarring is reduced and the side effects will be minimal.
Apart from that, there is the question of how your skin will react. The chemicals used contain many ingredients, some of which can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, the best thing is to do a patch test before the treatment.
Aftercare is also crucial. If you pick the scabs, you risk scarring. If you don’t treat the area properly and don’t clean the wound, you risk getting an infection.
The amount of pain is similar to what you felt when you got your eyebrows microbladed. The skin is broken again and the solution is inserted. Removal technicians use a numbing solution to ease the discomfort, but some people find it really uncomfortable nevertheless, while others don’t see it as a painful treatment.
The treatment is a bit more expensive than saline and laser removal, with an average price of $400 per session. The prices, however, go from $100 to $700, which depends on many factors, such as the experience of the tech, the material used and the exclusivity of the salon. So, you can find glycolic acid microblading removal at much more affordable prices.
The benefits:
The downsides:
Glycolic acid microblading and PMU removal is one of the most effective ways to remove an old PMU or a small tattoo. It works for almost all PMU treatments and can remove pigments of any color, unlike laser, which doesn’t work for reddish and yellow pigments. It requires multiple sessions – 2 to 6 usually – each priced at around $400. The sessions need to be booked 6-8 weeks apart in order to allow the skin to heal properly. It is expected to become more advanced and popular in the future.